Name/Title
Vase (Doctor Syntax Series)Entry/Object ID
1980.26.1Description
Blue and white Staffordshire soft paste cylindrical vase featuring a transfer scene on the front of the vase. The scene depicts a man in a white wig and black clothing reading from a book aloud to a group of people. The group is near a fireplace that appears to be warming a caldron. Various jugs and vessels rest on the mantel and a gun is mounted above it on the wall. Several of the listeners appear disinterested in the man's tales, as are a dog and cat asleep on the floor. According to a label on the reverse of the vase, the scene is of "Doctor Syntax Reading His Tour."Context
Created by William Combe (1742-1823) and illustrated by cartoonist Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827) in the early nineteenth century, the character known as Doctor Syntax appeared in many satirical engravings later known as "The Tour of Doctor Syntax in Search of the Picturesque." The comics of the doctor's various travels and misfortunes became increasingly popular, eventually landing their imagery onto dinnerware and other household ceramics.Made/Created
Manufacturer
James and Ralph ClewsDate made
circa 1830Place
City
Staffordshire, EnglandCountry
EnglandContinent
EuropeDimensions
Height
8-3/8 inDiameter
5-1/2 in
